Partners & Networks

As a recognised German school abroad, we benefit from a strong network of partners in Germany, China and around the world. These partnerships not only uphold the highest standards of educational quality but also enrich daily school life through exchange, innovation and shared commitment.

Our Educational Partners

The Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) supports school work abroad with seconded teachers, funding and advice on educational and administrative issues.

The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) makes key decisions on German schools abroad through its Federal Government–Länder Committee for International School Affairs. Among other responsibilities, it oversees the awarding of German school-leaving qualifications.

As a member of the World Association of German Schools Abroad (WDA), the German School Shanghai is part of a global network that represents the interests of German schools abroad in politics, business and society.

As part of the "Schools: Partners for the Future" (PASCH) initiative, the school is involved as a resource center for local schools where young Chinese learn German as a foreign language.

In cooperation with the Swiss School Shanghai Association, we offer lessons on Swiss topics as part of the Swiss Education Project. The programme aims to provide students with insights into Switzerland-specific topics under the guidance of a Swiss teacher.

We work in close coordination with the Shanghai Central Office of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (SHMEC), which supports the school with up-to-date information on admission policies and professional advice, among other things. In the Yangpu district, we also work together with the Shanghai Yangpu Education International Exchange Center, which not only promotes exchanges between international schools and organizes joint programmes, but also provides regular school appointments in the district.

PASCH Basketball Cup

Every year, basketball enthusiasts from PASCH schools across the region, including Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi and Hangzhou, come together at DSS for a weekend of exciting matches. Beyond the court, shared activities offer opportunities to connect, exchange ideas and build relationships across schools.

Excellence in German Education

Recognised as an Excellent German School Abroad, a CertiLingua School and a STEM-friendly school, among other distinctions, the German School Shanghai is committed to high standards in teaching and education. Find out more about our awards and our approach to educational quality management..

What Guides Us at DSS

Our guiding principles put people and our diverse community at the heart of everything we do. They reflect how we grow together, take responsibility, build confidence and create a sense of belonging. They also express our commitment to supporting children and young people as they develop into confident individuals, ready to shape their own futures and make a positive contribution to the world.

Further Partners in Shanghai

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai

German Chamber of Commerce

German Center Shanghai

Austrian Consulate General

Advantage Austria

Swiss Consulate General

Swiss Chamber of Commerce

Danish Chamber of Commerce

European Chamber of Commerce

Valuable, Hands-On Experiences

From exploring chemistry at BASF or Evonik and discovering automotive manufacturing at SAIC Volkswagen to learning about robotics at Tongji University, our partnerships give students valuable insights into the world beyond the classroom. Through internships, workshops, excursions and events such as our annual Career Day, students gain practical experience and explore a wide range of academic and career pathways.

Team Sports Partnerships

For many years, we have worked with our professional partner Multisport to deliver training for our swimming and artistic gymnastics teams. The FALCONS, one of China’s leading basketball clubs, also support our students with professional basketball coaching. We are particularly proud of our partnership with Borussia Dortmund. Since 2018, we have been a BVB Youth Development Partner, training and supporting children from preschool age onwards in line with the German professional club’s training philosophy and with an approach tailored to their age and stage of development.

More About the Teams

Partners of Our Fachoberschule (FOS)

For students in our FOS programme and Year 10, we collaborate with a strong network of local business partners, including Siemens Healthineers, BASF Polyurethane Specialties (China) Co., Ltd., LANXESS Chemical (China) Co., Ltd., BMW China Services Ltd., Porsche (China) Motors Limited, Regent Shanghai Pudong, Genuine Shanghai, TRUMPF (China) Co., Ltd. in Taicang, Shanghai Waylancer Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and many more.

University and Career Guidance

We offer a comprehensive university and career guidance programme from Year 7 onwards, supporting students throughout their individual journeys towards life after graduation. Regular projects and events help them explore their options, make informed decisions and prepare for their next steps. Our university and career guidance team works closely with experts from a wide range of industries to provide practical insights and guidance.

Individual Educational Pathways

At our excellent German school abroad, students can work towards all recognised German school-leaving qualifications, from the Hauptschulabschluss (lower secondary school certificate) and Realschulabschluss (intermediate school certificate) to the Fachhochschulreife (qualification for universities of applied sciences) and the German International Abitur (DIA). The DIA opens doors to leading universities in Germany as well as renowned higher education institutions around the world.